Apparatus, process, and system for display of images on windows of vehicles

ABSTRACT

A method of displaying images on a vehicle includes disclosing user information to an exchange application with the user information including an image to be displayed, transmitting the image to a controller configured to receive user information, instructing an electronic display associated with and configured to move in unison with the vehicle to display the image, and displaying the image by the electronic display.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/862,957, filed on Jun. 18, 2019, entitled “APPARATUS, PROCESS, ANDSYSTEM FOR DISPLAY OF IMAGES ON WINDOWS OF VEHICLES” by Y. D. Manicka,which is incorporated by reference into this application in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the display of images on vehicles and,in particular, to apparatuses, systems, methods, mobile exchangeapplications, and online marketplaces to facilitate the display ofdigital/electronic images, such as advertisements, on/in windows and thebody of vehicles. The apparatuses include a windshield having anintegrated electronic display. The systems include an electronic displayassociated with a vehicle and a controller configured to receiveinformation regarding the images to be displayed and instruct theelectronic display to show the images. The methods include methods oftransmitting and displaying the images on the vehicles. The mobileexchange applications and online marketplaces facilitate the exchange ofinformation between a vehicle operator willing to display theimages/advertisements and a user/business owner desiring to advertise onthe vehicle by displaying the images/advertisements.

BACKGROUND

Many vehicles are equipped to display images on the body of the vehicleor in a small area of the windows of the vehicle. For example,commercial vehicles often display a company logo and otheradvertisements painted onto the body of the vehicle. Personal passengervehicles often display logos or messages personal to the vehicleoperator on a bumper or in a corner of the window of the car, such as abumper sticker supporting the vehicle operator's favorite sports team.These images on commercial and passenger vehicles are fixed images thatcannot be easily removed and replaced with another image due to theimages being painted on the vehicle or affixed to the vehicle via asticker or another adhesive. Additionally, the images are not sized andplaced to take up large areas on the windows of the vehicle because suchconfigurations would interfere with the sightlines of the vehicleoperator, thus limiting the safe operation of the vehicle.

SUMMARY

A system for displaying images on a vehicle includes an electronicdisplay associated with and configured to move in unison with thevehicle. The electronic display is configured to display an image whenthe system is in operation. The system also includes a controller incommunication with the electronic display with the controller configuredto receive user information regarding the image and instruct theelectronic display to display the image.

A method of displaying images on a vehicle includes disclosing userinformation to an exchange application with the user informationincluding an image to be displayed, transmitting the image to acontroller configured to receive user information, instructing anelectronic display associated with and configured to move in unison withthe vehicle to display the image, and displaying the image by theelectronic display.

The present application further discloses a windshield for a vehiclewith the windshield having a first glass layer, a second glass layer, afirst plastic interlayer between the first glass layer and the secondglass layer, and an electronic display between the first glass layer andthe plastic layer. The electronic display is configured to display atleast one image when in operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic showing the relationship between the electronicdisplay on the vehicle, the image/advertisement purchaser/user, and thehardware and software utilized to communicate and effectuate the displayof images on the vehicle.

FIG. 2 shows exemplary systems for the display of images, such asadvertisements, on a side window of the vehicle.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary environment for the display of images on thevehicle.

FIG. 4 shows a window of a vehicle that includes an integratedelectronic display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems, methods, and related apparatuses are disclosed herein fordisplaying digital/electronic images, such as advertisements, on avehicle. The system for displaying the image includes an electronicdisplay associated with/connected to the vehicle and a controller incommunication with the electronic display with the controller configuredto receive user information (e.g., information from theuser/advertisement purchaser about the image, such as the image itself,a duration the image is to be displayed, the time of day the image is tobe displayed, a geographical area within which the image is to bedisplayed, etc.) and instruct the electronic display the display theimage.

The controller interacts with an exchange application, such as a websiteor mobile application, that can include an online marketplace. Theexchange application and online marketplace facilitate a transactionbetween the vehicle operator and the user (i.e., advertisementpurchaser) by providing an avenue through which both the user andvehicle operator can provide information which can be viewed by theother party to aid in deciding whether, in the case of the vehicleoperator, to agree to display the image and, in the case of theuser/advertisement purchaser, to pay to have the image displayed by theelectronic display of the vehicle. For the user/advertisement purchaser,the user information disclosed to the exchange application can includethe image itself, a duration the image is to be displayed, time of daythe image is to be displayed, a geographical area within which the imageis to be displayed, a price the user is willing to pay to display theimage, payment information to be utilized if the image is displayed bythe electronic display, and other relevant information. For the vehicleoperator, the vehicle operator information disclosed to the exchangeapplication can include a size of the electronic display, anavailability of the electronic display to display the image, any coststhe user would have to pay for displaying the image, any restrictions incontent of the image, a location of the vehicle, a geographical areaswithin which the vehicle will be located, and other relevantinformation.

The controller and exchange application can include other features, suchas location tracking capabilities (such as a global positioning system)and a mapping feature that can map one or multiple routes of the vehicleto a specified destination and show the price the user/advertisementpurchaser (or the prices multiple advertisement purchasers) are willingto pay to display the image along each route. The controller andexchange application can have the capabilities to confirm that the imagewas displayed according to the user/advertisement purchaser'sspecifications/requirements and automatically bill theuser/advertisement purchaser. The controller and electronic display canallow for the image to be easily switched out with another imagedependent upon geographical location, time of day, duration of thedisplay, and other factors. The controller can be, for example,integrated into the software system of the vehicle, a mobile telephonewith connectivity capabilities with the electronic display, or astandalone system that is integrated into the electronic display.

The electronic display for displaying the image can be on or integratedinto the body or one or multiple windows of the vehicle. For example,the electronic display can be a light-emitting diode (LED) screen, aliquid crystal display (LCD) screen, or another type of screen that isfastened to the body of the vehicle or positioned in a window of thevehicle. Further, the electronic display can be built into the body orintegrated into a window of the vehicle. The electronic display can betransparent when viewed in one direction (such as when an occupant ofthe vehicle, such as a driver, looks out of the vehicle through theelectronic display) but displays the image when viewed in the otherdirection (such as when an individual is looking at/into the windowand/or body).

The system can include many other features, including one or multiplespeakers in communication with the controller and configured to playaudio to accompany the image and/or sensors to detect the presence ofhumans outside the vehicle (via motion detection and/or voice detection)and relay that information to the controller so the controller caninstruct the electronic display to display the image when people arepresent near the vehicle.

A windshield is disclosed herein that includes an electronic displayintegrated into the windshield between two glass layers and accompaniedby a plastic interlayer. The electronic display integrated into thewindshield can be configured to operate both when the vehicle is inoperation and the vehicle is parked or only when the vehicle is parked.Additionally, the windshield can include a processor/controller incommunication with the electronic display to receive the image to bedisplayed and instruct the electronic display to display the image. Theprocessor/controller can have the other capabilities described withregards to the controller in the previous paragraph. The windshield caninclude other features, such as a memory module to store the image, anantenna with wireless communication capabilities to communicate with theexchange application and/or online marketplace, and circuitry thatelectrically connects the electronic display and other electroniccomponents of the windshield to the electrical power systems of thevehicle or another power source. The glass layers and plastic interlayerof the windshield can be commercial grade to ensure the windshield meetsautomotive safety standards. Further, while the windshield disclosedherein is discussed with regards to a front windshield of a vehicle, theconfiguration can also be utilized on side, back, and top (i.e.,sun/moon roof) windows of the vehicle.

The system for displaying images on a vehicle is advantageous becausethe system easily allows a vehicle operator to display multiple imagesover a relatively short duration of time to allow a vehicle operator tomonetize his/her vehicle. It also allows a user/advertisement purchaserto rent advertisement space that is tailored specifically to his/herneeds regarding, for example, duration, time of day, and geographicallocation without costly overhead that would otherwise be required if theimage was not digital/electronic and was instead painted or otherwiseaffixed to the vehicle. Rather, the disclosed system allows for theimage to be easily changed without the need to modify the vehicle. Thesystem, through the exchange application and/or online marketplace,facilitates the exchange between the vehicle operator anduser/advertisement purchaser so that each can easily see the other'sspecifications/requirements for displaying the image (e.g., costs,duration of display, size of electronic display, and content of image tobe displayed).

While this disclosure discusses the image as being an advertisement, theimage can be anything desired by the vehicle operator or the user (i.e.,the renter of the electronic display), such as a company logo, apersonal message of the vehicle operator, a personal image of thevehicle operator, a slogan, and/or a video. Furthermore, the image canbe multiple images displayed simultaneously on one electronic display ormultiple electronic displays associated with one vehicle.

FIG. 1 is a schematic showing the relationship between the system fordisplaying the image, the vehicle that includes the electronic display,the vehicle operator, the user/advertisement purchaser, and the exchangeapplication and online marketplace. FIG. 2 shows a side electronicdisplay with three different embodiments. FIG. 3 shows an exemplaryenvironment within which the system for displaying the image in avehicle may be utilized.

FIGS. 1-3 shows display vehicle 1 having rear electronic display 2 andside electronic display 3. System 11 with rear electronic display 2and/or side electronic display 3 can have three differentconfigurations: tablet 4, flexible screen 5, and integrated display 6.The environment in which the system for displaying the image includesbusiness image user/purchaser 7, vehicle operator 8, vehicle audience 9,pedestrian audience 10, and individual image user/purchaser 12. System11 further includes image/advertisement 13, controller 15, exchangeapplication 16, and online marketplace 17.

Vehicle 1, which includes electronic displays 2 and/or 3 and controller15, can be any commercial or passenger vehicle. Vehicle 1 is owned,operated, and/or otherwise associated with vehicle operator 8. Vehicleoperator 8 can be the owner of vehicle 1, a driver for the owner ofvehicle 1 (such as a taxi service), and/or anyone associated with orable to make decisions regarding the display of image 13 on electronicdisplays 2/3. Vehicle 1 can include multiple displays (rear electronicdisplay 2 and/or side electronic display 3) to display image 13 to beviewable by vehicle audience 9 and pedestrian audience 10. Further, eachwindow can include multiple electronic displays 2 and 3 that take uponly a portion of the window. In addition, while not shown in FIGS. 1-3,the front windshield can also be configured to include an electronicdisplay. Electronic displays 2 and/or 3 can be configured to alwaysdisplay image 13, only display image 13 when vehicle 1 is in motion, oronly display image 13 when vehicle 1 is stationary.

Rear electronic display 2 and side electronic display 3 can have manydifferent configurations/capabilities to electronically/digitallydisplay images 13, which can be advertisements. While this disclosurediscusses the electronic displays as being positioned in rear and sidewindows, the electronic displays can be located anywhere on vehicle 1,including on/in any windows (e.g., the front windshield) or on/in anyportion of the body of vehicle 1 (e.g., doors, hood, roof, and front andrear panels). FIG. 2 includes multiple exemplary embodiments of sideelectronic display 3.

Tablet 4 can be a generic electronic device with a digital screen thatcan include wired or wireless communication capabilities to transmit andreceive information for the display of image 13, or tablet 4 can be aspecialized display screen that includes additional features (discussedbelow) for receiving and displaying image 13 and, optionally, audio toaccompany image 13. Tablet 4 can be fastened to or merely propped up ina window or on the body of vehicle 1 such that the screen of tablet 4 isviewable through the window by advertisement audience 9 and 10. Thescreen of tablet 4 can be any screen configured to display anelectronic/digital image, such as a light-emitting diode (“LED”)display, a liquid crystal display (“LCD:”), or another type of screen.Further, tablet 4 can have a screen that is transparent from the insidesuch that the operator of vehicle 1 can look out through the window butaudience 9/10 can view electronic display 2/3 when looking into thewindow when electronic display 2/3 is displaying image 13.

Flexible screen 5 can be a generic electronic/digital screen or aspecialized display screen. Flexible screen 5 can be a light-emittingdiode (“LED”) display, a liquid crystal display (“LCD:”), a projectionscreen that displays the images projected onto flexible screen 5 by aprojector within vehicle 1, or another type of screen. Flexible screen 5can be fastened to or propped up in a window or on the body of vehicle 1such that the screen is viewable through the window by advertisementaudience 9/10. Flexible screen 5 can include wired or wirelesscommunication capabilities, and flexible screen 5 can be transparentfrom the inside such that a driver can look through flexible screen 5 tooperate image/display vehicle 1. Flexible screen 5 can have all of thefeatures and capabilities of tablet 4 discussed above and can includeadditional features and capabilities.

Integrated display 6 can be an electronic/digital screen that isintegrated into the vehicle window, such as the windshield describedwith regards to FIG. 4 below. Integrated display 6 can be any type ofelectronic/digital screen able to be integrated into a window (such assandwiched between two panes/layers of a window). Integrated display 6can be transparent from the inside such that vehicle operator 8 can lookthrough integrated display 6 and/or someone outside vehicle 1 can lookthrough integrated display 6 when the screen is not displaying image 13.When in use, integrated display 6 can provide a digital display that isviewable by vehicle audience 9 and/or pedestrian audience 10. Integrateddisplay 6 can have wired or wireless communication capabilities.Integrated display 6 can have all of the features and capabilities oftablet 4 and flexible screen 5 discussed above and can includeadditional features and capabilities.

System 11 for displaying image 13, which includes one or more electronicdisplays 2 and 3, also includes controller 15. Controller 15 can be orinclude a computing device, computer processor, micro-processor, orother module in communication with electronic display 2/3. Controller 15is configured to receive user information of business imageuser/purchaser 7 and/or individual image user/purchaser 12 (alsocollectivley referred to as user 7/12 in this disclosure) regardingimage 13 and instruct electronic display 2/3 to display image 13.Controller 15 can also transmit vehicle 1 and/or electronic display 2/3information via a wireless or wired connection to exchange application16, which can include online marketplace 17. Controller 15 can be incommunication with multiple electronic displays 2/3 such that controller15 receives user information regarding images 13 to be displayed onmultiple electronic displays 2/3 and instruct the multiple electronicdisplays 2/3 to display the images. Controller 15 can be a stand-a-lonecomponent with transmission and reception capabilities (among otherfeatures), can be integrated into one or multiple electronic displays2/3 such that controller 15 and electronic display 2/3 are onecontinuous and monolithic component (e.g., housed within the samecasing), can be integrated into a software system of vehicle 1 such thatvehicle 1 includes controller 15 or the functionality of controller 15is performed by the components of the software system of vehicle 1,and/or can be a mobile telephone with connectivity capabilities (wiredor wireless) with electronic display 2/3 that is suitable to receive andtransmit information regarding image 13.

Controller 15 can be configured to instruct electronic display 2/3 tonot display image 13 (i.e., remain blank), a particular image 13 (e.g.,only a small image in a corner of electronic display 2/3), emit aparticular sound associated with or disassociated with image 13, and/orrefrain from emitting any sound when the vehicle is in motion so as tonot block the view of the operator/driver of vehicle 1 or distractnearby vehicles. Controller 15 can be configured to instruct electronicdisplay 2/3 to display image 13 and/or emit a particular soundassociated with image 13 when vehicle 1 is stationary (e.g., whenvehicle 1 is parked with the engine off, when vehicle 1 is at a stoplight, etc.).

System 11, whether a stand-alone component or incorporated intocontroller 15 and/or electronic display 2/3, can include a variety ofadditional features and capabilities. Electronic display 2/3 and/orcontroller 15 can include location tracking capabilities, such as globalpositioning system (GPS) tracking for recording the locations ofelectronic display 2/3 during the display of image 13.

System 11 can include a speaker or another audio system in communicationwith (or integrated into) controller 15 that is configured to generateaudio (i.e., play audio) to accompany image 13. The audio played by thespeaker could be, for example, the audio to an advertisement/commercialvideo being displayed on electronic display 2/3. The audio generated bythe speaker could also be from a radio in vehicle 1 or a transmission ofthe voice of vehicle operator 8.

System 11 can include a motion sensor in communication with orintegrated into controller 15 and/or electronic display 2/3 that isconfigured to detect motion outside vehicle 1 (e.g., a human walking byvehicle 1 and electronic display 2/3) and transmit the information(i.e., that motion is outside vehicle 1) to controller 15, which in turncan then instruct electronic display 2/3 to display image 13. Thus,system 11 can be configured to only display image 13 when motion/humanactivity is detected outside vehicle 1.

System 11 can include a sound detection sensor in communication with orintegrated into controller 15 and/or electronic display 2/3 that isconfigured to detect a sound of human voice outside vehicle 2 (e.g., ahuman walking by vehicle 1 and electronic display 2/3) and transmit theinformation (i.e., that a person is outside vehicle 1) to controller 15,which in turn can then instruct electronic display 2/3/ to display image13. Thus, system 11 can be configured to only display image 13 when thesound of a human is detected outside vehicle 1. The sound detectionsensor can be any component able to detect sound, such as a human voice,outside vehicle 1. For example, the sound detection sensor can be amicrophone.

System 11 can include a battery to provide electrical power toelectronic display 2/3 and possibly to controller 15. The battery can beincorporated into electronic display 2/3 and/or controller 15, orelectronic display 2/3 and/or controller 15 can be electricallyconnected to the power system of vehicle 1, such as through a chargingport of vehicle 1.

System 11 can include a memory module (i.e., a data storagedevice/storage medium) in communication with or integrated intocontroller 15 and/or electronic display 2/3 that is configured to storea digital/data file that includes image 13. The memory module can be anytype of data storage device or storage medium, and the memory module canbe configured to store other data, such as audio files, vehicle locationdata, user information of the image/advertisement purchaser 7/12, andvehicle operator information from vehicle operator 8.

System 11 can include an antenna in communication with or integratedinto controller 15 and/or electronic display 2/3 that is configured toreceive information containing image 13 and transmit image 13 tocontroller 15 and/or electronic display 2/3. The antenna can have wiredor wireless capabilities, such as Wi-Fi networking and/orshort-wavelength ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves (e.g.,Bluetooth). The antenna can communicate with a mobile telephone ofvehicle operator 8, or the antenna can be integrated into the mobiletelephone of vehicle operator 8 with the mobile telephone beingintegrated into or in communication with controller 15.

Controller 15 is in communication with exchange application 16, whichcan include online marketplace 17. Exchange application 16 can be awebsite or mobile application to store and/or display information fromimage/advertisement user/purchaser 7/12 and vehicle operator 8 relevantto the display of image 13. Exchange application 16 provides an avenuethrough which both user 7/12 and vehicle operator 8 can provideinformation that can be viewed by the other party to aid in decidingwhether, in the case of the vehicle operator 8, to agree to displayimage 13 and, in the case of the user/advertisement purchaser 7/112, topay to have image 13 displayed by electronic display 2/3 of vehicle 1.For user/advertisement purchaser 7/12, the user information disclosed toexchange application 16 can include the image 13 itself, a durationimage 13 is to be displayed, time of day image 13 is to be displayed, ageographical area within which image 13 is to be displayed, a price user7/12 is willing to pay to display image 13, payment information to beutilized if image 13 is displayed by electronic display 2/3, and otherrelevant information. For vehicle operator 8, the vehicle operatorinformation disclosed to exchange application 16 can include a size ofelectronic display 2/3, an availability of electronic display 2/3 todisplay image 13, any costs user 7/12 would have to pay for displayingimage 13, any restrictions in content of image 13, a location of vehicle1, the make and model of vehicle 1, a geographical areas within whichvehicle 1 is or will be located and other relevant information. Exchangeapplication 16 facilitates a transaction between vehicle operator 8 andimage/advertisement user/purchaser 7/12 to display image 13 byelectronic display 2/3. Exchange application 16 can include any of thefeatures of controller 15, and exchange application 16 can be acomputing device, computer program, and/or application that isimplemented on and integrated into controller 15 (e.g., controller 15 isa mobile telephone and exchange application 16 is a computerprogram/application on the mobile telephone).

Exchange application 16 can include location tracking capabilities (suchas GPS) and mapping features that can map one or multiple routes thatvehicle 1 could take to a potential destination and show informationregarding the routes and the display of image 13, such as the price user7/12 is willing to pay to display image 13 along each route. Exchangeapplication 16, in association with electronic display 2/3 andpotentially controller 15, can monitor the display of image 13 (e.g.,the duration image 13 is displayed, the time of day image 13 isdisplayed, the locations where image 13 is displayed, etc.) to confirmthat image 13 was displayed according to the specifications of user7/12. Alternatively, controller 15 can transmit this information toexchange application 16, which then relays the information to user 7/12.Further, exchange application 16 can automatically provide thisinformation to user 7/12 and/or disclose this information to onlinemarketplace 17 for viewing by potential users 7/12. Additionally,exchange application 16 can have the capabilities to automatically billuser 7/12 for the services rendered in vehicle operator 8 displayingimage 13.

Electronic display 2/3 and/or controller 15 can be inconstant/continuous communication with exchange application 16 whensystem 11 is in operation, or electronic display 2/3 and/or controller15 can communicate with exchange application 16 only periodically totransmit and/or receive information. When communication is periodic,system 11 can have storage capabilities such that image 13 or multipleimages 13 can be downloaded to system 11 along with a display schedulefor a duration of time (e.g., advertisement A is displayed for 24 hours,advertisement B is displayed for the 48 hours after that, etc.) and/orother information. This information can be downloaded and/or provided toimage/display vehicle 1 and/or electronic display 2/3 wirelessly, via aUSB drive, or by other connections. Such capabilities allow forelectronic display 2/3 to continue uninterrupted to display of image 13even when vehicle 1 is unable to wirelessly connect to exchangeapplication 16 and/or online marketplace 17.

Exchange application 16 can include online marketplace 17, which is aplatform that vehicle operator 8 and image/advertisement user/purchaser7/12 can disclose and display information that may be useful to theother in determining whether to agree to the display of image 13 onelectronic display 2/3. Along with exchange application 16, onlinemarketplace 17 facilitates the exchange between vehicle operator 8 anduser 7/12. Online marketplace 17 can display for viewing a large amountof information, including any of the information disclosed to exchangeapplication 16 listed in the previous paragraphs. Through onlinemarketplace 17, vehicle operator 8 can view the information provided byimage user/purchaser 7/12 and determine whether vehicle operator 8 wantsto agree to display image 13 for user/purchaser 7/12, and user/purchaser7/12 can view the information provided by vehicle operator 8 anddetermine whether user 7/12 wants to agree to display image 13 onelectronic display 2/3. Online marketplace 17 can be configured todisplay information for multiple users 7/12 to allow vehicle operator 8to decide from multiple offers to display different images 13, andinformation for multiple vehicle operators 8 to allow user 7/12 todecide from multiple offers to display image 13. Thus, onlinemarketplace 17 aids in the offer and acceptance of the display of image13 and the exchange of services (i.e., the display of image 13) forgoods (i.e., money).

As shown in FIG. 1, exchange application 16 can be a mobile phoneapplication that is downloaded to a smart phone of user 7/12 and vehicleoperator 8 to allow the input and viewing of information as well as toallow access to online marketplace 17.

As shown in FIG. 3, vehicle 1 displaying image 13 can move throughoutand/or be stationary within the environment, thereby displaying image 13to audience 9/10. The environment within which image 13 is displayed canbe a geographical area near a place of business or residence of user7/12 and can be at any time of day, including during business hoursand/or on nights and weekends. The location/geographical area withinwhich image 13 is displayed by electronic display 2/3 can be as specificas image 13 only being displayed near particular buildings, when vehicle1 travels down particular streets, when vehicle 1 is traveling at aparticular speed, or other parameters.

Image 13 displayed by electronic display 2/3 can be a video and/ormultiple images 13 that are displayed simultaneously, in series withmultiple images 13 alternating in being displayed, or anotherconfiguration.

FIG. 4 shows a window of a vehicle that includes an integratedelectronic display. In FIG. 4, the window is front windshield 20.However, the configuration shown in FIG. 4 can be utilized in any windowof vehicle 1. Windshield 20 includes first glass layer 21 and secondglass layer 22. Between first glass layer 21 and second glass layer 22is first plastic interlayer 23, electronic display 25, and secondplastic interlayer 24. Windshield 20 can also include controller 15(shown in FIGS. 1-3), battery 26, and circuitry 27.

Windshield 20 can be sized and shaped to fit into and cover any openingin vehicle 1. Windshield 20 can be configured to meet all automotivesafety standards, such as first glass layer 21 and second glass layer 22having commercial grade hardened glass, first plastic interlayer 23 andsecond plastic interlayer 25 being configured to prevent windshield 20from shattering and breaking apart into multiple pieces.

First glass layer 21 and second glass layer 22 can be structural,transparent layers that can be glass or other material suitable toprotect the occupants of vehicle 1 while also allowing for viewingthrough windshield 20. First glass layer 21 and second glass layer 22can be any conventional glass utilized for windows of a vehicle. Firstglass layer 21 is on a first side of windshield 20, while second glasslayer 22 is on a second side of windshield 20. In the disclosedwindshield 20, first glass layer 21 and second glass layer 22 form theouter bounds of windshield 20, but other configurations can haveadditional layers or components outward from first glass layer 21 and/orsecond glass layer 22, such as electronic display 24.

First plastic interlayer 23 and second plastic interlayer 24 providecontainment to first glass layer 21 and second glass layer 22 in theevent of the breaking of either glass layer. While this disclosurestates that the interlayers are plastic, first plastic interlayer 23 andsecond plastic interlayer 24 can be constructed from any material(s)suitable to provide containment and/or structural support to windshield20. Additionally, windshield 20 can have more than two plasticinterlayers, or other embodiments of windshield 20 can include none oronly one plastic interlayer.

Electronic display 25 is between first plastic interlayer 23 and secondplastic interlayer 24. Electronic display 25 is configured to displayimage 13 (any potentially more than one image 13) in a direction towardsan outer side of windshield 20 (i.e., towards an outside of vehicle 1).Electronic display 25 can have the features and capabilities of rearelectronic display 2 and/or side electronic display 3 (and tablet 4,flexible screen 5, and integrated display 6) described with regards tosystem 11 and FIGS. 1-3. In front windshield 20, electronic display 25is a transparent screen that allows for viewing through windshield 20from inside vehicle 1 unobstructed. Electronic display 25 can be anytype of display apparatus, including an LED screen, an LCD screen, aprojection screen, or another type of display screen. Electronic display25 can be sized such that the area of electronic display 25 is small,including an area that is less than 10% of the area of windshield 20, orlarge, including an area that is greater than 50% of the area ofwindshield 20. In some embodiments, the area of electronic display 25can be almost equal to the area of windshield 20 (e.g., the area ofelectronic display 25 is more than 90% the area of windshield 20).

Windshield 20 can include (either integrated into the layers ofwindshield 20 or as a separate component) controller 15 as describedwith regards to system 11 and FIGS. 1-3. Controller 15 is incommunication with electronic display 25 and is configured to receiveimage 13 and instruct electronic display 25 to display image 13.Controller 15 can have the features and capabilities described abovewith regards to system 11. Windshield 20 and/or controller 15 caninclude a memory module (i.e., a data storage device/storage medium) incommunication with (or integrated into) controller 15 and/or electronicdisplay 25 that is configured to store a digital/data file that includesimage 13. The memory module can be any type of data storage device orstorage medium, and the memory module can be configured to store otherdata, such as audio files, vehicle location data, user information ofthe image/advertisement purchaser 7/12, and vehicle operator informationfrom vehicle operator 8. The memory module can be integrated into thelayers of windshield 20 or a separate component. Additionally,windshield 20 and/or controller 15 can include an antenna incommunication with (or integrated into) controller 15 and/or electronicdisplay 25 that is configured to receive information containing image 13and transmit image 13 to controller 15 and/or electronic display 25. Theantenna can have wired or wireless capabilities, such as Wi-Finetworking and/or short-wavelength ultra-high frequency (UHF) radiowaves (e.g., Bluetooth). The antenna can communicate with a mobiletelephone of vehicle operator 8, or the antenna can be integrated intothe mobile telephone of vehicle operator 8 with the mobile telephonebeing integrated into or in communication with controller 15. Further,the antenna can transmit information to exchange application 16.

Windshield 20 can include battery 26 in electrical communication withelectronic display 24 via circuitry 27 to provide electrical power toelectronic display 25. Battery 26 can be integrated into the layers ofwindshield 20, can be integrated into controller 15, or can be aseparate component. For example, battery 26 can be the battery ofvehicle 1 with circuitry 27 connecting battery 26 to electronic display25. Battery 26 can be any type of device able to provide power toelectronic display 25, controller 15, and/or the other electricallypowered components of windshield 20.

System 11 and windshield 20 for displaying image 13 on vehicle 1 (andcorresponding methods) are advantageous because system 11 and windshield20 easily allow vehicle operator 8 to display multiple images 13 over arelatively short duration of time in order to monetize his/her vehicle1. System 11 and windshield 20 also allow user/advertisement purchaser7/12 to rent advertisement space that is tailored specifically tohis/her needs regarding, for example, duration, time of day, andgeographical location without costly overhead that would otherwise berequired if the image was not electronic/digital and was instead paintedor otherwise affixed to vehicle 1. Rather, system 11 and windshield 20allow for image 13 to be easily changed without the need to modifyvehicle 1. System 11 and windshield 20, through exchange application 16and/or online marketplace 17, facilitate the exchange between vehicleoperator 8 and user/advertisement purchaser 7/12 so that each can easilysee the other's requirements/specifications for displaying image 13(e.g., costs, duration of display, size of electronic display, contentof image to be displayed).

Disclosure of Possible Embodiments

The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible embodiments ofthe present invention.

A system for displaying images on a vehicle includes an electronicdisplay associated with and configured to move in unison with thevehicle. The electronic display is configured to display an image whenthe system is in operation. The system also includes a controller incommunication with the electronic display with the controller configuredto receive user information regarding the image and instruct theelectronic display to display the image.

The system of the preceding paragraph can optionally include,additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the followingfeatures, configurations, steps, and/or additional components:

The system further includes an exchange application configured to allowa user to transmit user information to the controller and allows avehicle operator to view the user information.

Wherein the exchange application includes an online marketplace that isconfigured to allow the user to disclose the user information, whichincludes at least one of the following: the image itself, a duration theimage is to be displayed, time of day the image is to be displayed, ageographical area within which the image is to be displayed, a price theuser is willing to pay to display the image, and payment information tobe utilized if the image is displayed by the electronic display.

Wherein the exchange application is configured to map a route of thevehicle.

Wherein the exchange application shows multiple routes that the vehiclemay take with the exchange application associating each route with theprice the user is willing to pay to display the image along the route.

Wherein the online marketplace of the exchange application allows avehicle operator to view the user information and accept an offer madeby the user to display the image.

Wherein the online marketplace allows multiple users to display multipleoffers for displaying the image and allows the vehicle operator toaccept at least one of the offers.

Wherein the exchange application is configured to allow the vehicleoperator to disclose at least one of the following: a size of theelectronic display, an availability of the electronic display to displaythe image, any costs the user would have to pay for displaying theimage, any restrictions in content of the image, a location of thevehicle, and a geographical areas within which the vehicle will belocated.

Wherein the controller transmits at least one of the following to theexchange application to be viewed by the user: a duration of the displayof the image, time of day the image was displayed, a location of thevehicle during the display of the image, and confirmation that the imagewas displayed by the electronic display.

Wherein the exchange application automatically bills the user forservices rendered by the vehicle operator in displaying the image.

Wherien the vehicle includes multiple electronic displays that eachdisplay at least one image and the controller is in communication witheach of the multiple electronic displays with the controller configuredto receive user information regarding the images and instruct themultiple electronic displays to display the images.

Wherein the controller is integrated into a software system in thevehicle.

Wherein the controller is a mobile telephone.

Wherein the controller is integrated into the electronic display.

Wherein the image is a series of images that form a video that isdisplayed by the electronic display.

Wherein the controller includes a global positioning system tracker forrecording a location of the electronic display.

Wherein the image is one of the following: an advertisement, a companylogo, a personal message of the vehicle operator, and a personal imageof the vehicle operator.

Wherein the electronic display is positioned in at least one window ofthe vehicle.

Wherein the electronic display is integrated into a window of thevehicle.

Wherein the electronic display is connected to a body of the vehicle.

Wherein the electronic display is integrated into a front windshield ofthe vehicle.

Wherein the system further includes a speaker in communication with thecontroller and configured to generate audio to accompany the image.

Wherein the controller instructs the speaker to refrain from generatingaudio when the vehicle is in motion, and wherein the controllerinstructs the speaker to generate audio when the vehicle is stationary.

Wherein the system further includes a motion sensor in communicationwith the controller, the motion sensor configured to detect motionoutside the vehicle and transmit that information to the controller.

Wherein the controller instructs the electronic display to display theimage when the controller receives information from the motion sensorthat there is motion outside the vehicle.

Wherein the system further includes a sound detection sensor incommunication with the controller, the sound detection sensor configuredto detect a sound of human voice outside the vehicle and transmit thatinformation to the controller.

Wherein the controller instructs the electronic display to display theimage when the controller receives information from the sound detectionsensor that there is the sound of human voice outside the vehicle.

Wherein the controller instructs the electronic display to not displaythe image when the vehicle is in motion.

Wherein the controller instructions the electronic display to displaythe image when the vehicle is stationary

A method of displaying images on a vehicle includes disclosing userinformation to an exchange application with the user informationincluding an image to be displayed, transmitting the image to acontroller configured to receive user information, instructing anelectronic display associated with and configured to move in unison withthe vehicle to display the image, and displaying the image by theelectronic display.

The method of the preceding paragraph can optionally include,additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the followingfeatures, configurations, steps, and/or additional components:

Wherein the method further includes, after the image has been displayed,automatically billing a user who requested the image to be displayed forthe services rendered by a vehicle operator in displaying the image.

Wherein the method further includes mapping a route of the vehicleduring which the image is displayed by the electronic display; andtransmitting the route of the vehicle to the exchange application thatis able to be viewed by the user that requested the image to bedisplayed.

Wherein the exchange application shows multiple routes that the vehiclemay take with the exchange application associating each route with aprice the user is willing to pay to display the image along the route.

Wherein the method further includes disclosing the user information tothe exchange application includes making an offer for displaying theimage and accepting the offer to display the image.

Wherein the method further includes disclosing display information to anonline marketplace of the exchange application that is able to be viewedby a user, the display information including at least one of thefollowing: a size of the electronic display, an availability of theelectronic display to display the image, any costs the user would haveto pay for displaying the image, any restrictions in content of theimage, a location of the vehicle, and a geographical area within whichthe vehicle will be located.

Wherein the method further includes transmitting display informationfrom the controller to an online marketplace of the exchange applicationthat is able to be viewed by a user who requested for the image to bedisplayed by the electronic display.

Wherein the display information includes at least one of the following:a duration of the display of the image by the electronic display, alocation of the vehicle during the display of the image, andconfirmation the image was displayed by the electronic display.

Wherein the method further includes tracking a location of the vehicleby a global positioning system during the display of the image by theelectronic display.

Wherein the image is one of the following: an advertisement, a companylogo, a personal message of a vehicle operator, and a personal image ofthe vehicle operator.

Wherein the method further includes positioning the electronic displayin at least one window of the vehicle.

Wherein the method further includes integrating the electronic displayinto a window of the vehicle such that the electronic display isconnected to the window.

Wherein the method further includes connecting the electronic display toa body of the vehicle.

Wherein the method further includes displaying multiple images insuccession to form a video.

Wherein the user information further includes audio to accompany theimage to be displayed.

Wherein the method further includes transmitting the audio to acontroller configured to receive user information; instructing, by thecontroller, a speaker associated with and configured to move in unisonwith the vehicle to generate the audio; and generating audio, by thespeaker, to accompany the display of the image.

Wherein the method further includes detecting motion outside the vehicleby a motion sensor; transmitting, to the controller, information thatthere is motion outside the vehicle; and instructing, by the controller,the electronic display to display the image when the controller receivesinformation that there is motion outside the vehicle.

Wherein the method further includes detecting a sound of human voiceoutside the vehicle by an audio sensor; transmitting, to the controller,information that there is sound of human voice outside the vehicle; andinstructing, by the controller, the electronic display to display theimage when the controller receives information that there is the soundof human voice outside the vehicle.

A windshield for a vehicle with the windshield having a first glasslayer, a second glass layer, a first plastic interlayer between thefirst glass layer and the second glass layer, and an electronic displaybetween the first glass layer and the plastic layer. The electronicdisplay is configured to display at least one image when in operation.

The windshield of the preceding paragraph can optionally include,additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the followingfeatures, configurations, steps, and/or additional components:

Wherein the electronic display is a light-emitting diode (LED) screen.

Wherein the electronic display is a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen.

Wherein the windshield further includes a second plastic interlayerbetween the electronic display and the second glass layer.

A vehicle that includes the above windshield with the windshield havinga battery to provide electrical power to the vehicle and circuitry thatelectrically connects the electronic display to the battery.

Wherein the windshield further includes a controller in communicationwith the electronic display, the controller configured to receive the atleast one image to be displayed on the electronic display and instructthe electronic display to display the at least one image.

Wherein the windshield further includes a memory module in communicationwith the controller, the memory module configured to store the at leastone image to be displayed on the electronic display.

Wherein the windshield further includes an antenna in communication withthe controller, the antenna having wireless communication capabilitiesand configured to receive a wireless communication of the at least oneimage and transmit the at least one image to the controller.

Wherein the wireless communication is Wi-Fi networking.

Wherein the wireless communication uses short-wavelength ultra highfrequency (UHF) radio waves.

Wherein the wireless communication is with a cellular telephone thatincludes an exchange application that transmits information to theantenna with the information being the at least one image.

Wherein the antenna transmits information to an exchange applicationwith an online marketplace, the information being transmitted is atleast one of the following: a duration of the display of the at leastone image, time of day the at least one image was displayed, a locationof the windshield during the display of the at least one image, andconfirmation that the at least one image was displayed by the electronicdisplay.

Wherein the at least one image to be displayed on the electronic displayis one of the following: an advertisement, a company logo, a personalmessage of an owner of a vehicle that includes the windshield, and apersonal image of the owner of the vehicle.

Wherein the electronic display has an area that is more than fiftypercent of an area of the first glass layer.

Wherein the first glass layer and the second glass layer are commercialgrade hardened glass that meet automotive safety standards.

Wherein the electronic display is configured to display the at least oneimage towards an outer side of the windshield.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that theinvention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of theappended claims.

1. A method of displaying images on a vehicle, the method comprising:disclosing user information to an exchange application, wherein the userinformation includes an image to be displayed; transmitting the image toa controller configured to receive user information; instructing, by thecontroller, an electronic display associated with and configured to movein unison with the vehicle to display the image; and displaying theimage by the electronic display.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theuser information disclosed to the exchange application is viewable on anonline marketplace by a vehicle operator and also includes at least oneof the following: a duration the image is desired to be displayed, ageographical area within which the image is desired to be displayed, aprice the user is willing to pay to display the image, and paymentinformation to be utilized if the image is displayed by the electronicdisplay.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: after the imagehas been displayed, automatically billing a user who requested the imageto be displayed for the services rendered by a vehicle operator indisplaying the image.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:mapping a route of the vehicle during which the image is displayed bythe electronic display; and transmitting the route of the vehicle to theexchange application that is able to be viewed by the user thatrequested the image to be displayed.
 5. The method of claim 4, whereinthe exchange application shows multiple routes that the vehicle may takewith the exchange application associating each route with a price theuser is willing to pay to display the image along the route.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein disclosing the user information to theexchange application includes making an offer for displaying the image,and the method further comprises: accepting the offer to display theimage.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: disclosing displayinformation to an online marketplace of the exchange application that isable to be viewed by a user, the display information including at leastone of the following: a size of the electronic display, an availabilityof the electronic display to display the image, any costs the user wouldhave to pay for displaying the image, any restrictions in content of theimage, a location of the vehicle, and a geographical area within whichthe vehicle will be located.
 8. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: transmitting display information from the controller to anonline marketplace of the exchange application that is able to be viewedby a user who requested for the image to be displayed by the electronicdisplay, wherein the display information includes at least one of thefollowing: a duration of the display of the image by the electronicdisplay, a location of the vehicle during the display of the image, andconfirmation the image was displayed by the electronic display.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: tracking a location of thevehicle by a global positioning system during the display of the imageby the electronic display.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the imageis one of the following: an advertisement, a company logo, a personalmessage of a vehicle operator, and a personal image of the vehicleoperator.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: positioning theelectronic display in at least one window of the vehicle.
 12. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: integrating the electronic display intoa window of the vehicle such that the electronic display is connected tothe window.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising: connectingthe electronic display to a body of the vehicle.
 14. The method of claim1, further comprising: displaying multiple images in succession to forma video.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the user information furtherincludes audio to accompany the image to be displayed, the methodfurther comprising: transmitting the audio to a controller configured toreceive user information; instructing, by the controller, a speakerassociated with and configured to move in unison with the vehicle togenerate the audio; and generating audio, by the speaker, to accompanythe display of the image.
 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising:detecting motion outside the vehicle by a motion sensor; transmitting,to the controller, information that there is motion outside the vehicle;and instructing, by the controller, the electronic display to displaythe image when the controller receives information that there is motionoutside the vehicle.
 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising:detecting a sound of human voice outside the vehicle by an audio sensor;transmitting, to the controller, information that there is sound ofhuman voice outside the vehicle; and instructing, by the controller, theelectronic display to display the image when the controller receivesinformation that there is the sound of human voice outside the vehicle.